INTRODUCTION

1. The urgency of the study:

There are about 28 coastal cities running along nearly 3000 kilometers coastline

from the north to the south of Vietnam that makes up a vibrant coastal culture. Yet

identities of those cities which come from their own locality seem increasingly to be

ignored, especially in the design of urban public spaces. On other hand, Vietnam's

construction regulations focus only on the physical aspect but the activities in public

space; coastal public space and urban public space have yet well defined. For the above

reasons, there should be a comprehensive study of the coastal public space for

appropriate and identical designs and developments

NhaTrang city possesses more than 10 km coastline with outstanding

characteristics of Middle of Vietnam's coastal geometry and culture. Through numerous

historical periods, the city has made up its very own characteristics in terms of life style.

However, the city itself in terms of physical aspect is not well recognized due to the

inefficient use of public spaces, lake of internal and external connectivities, strictly

obeisance of Vietnam's construction regulations making no distinction between the city

and others.

The "bottom-up" approach, which emphasizes on wishes of local communities, is

used as the foundation for this study in order to create the most desirable public spaces

for the city.

2. Objects and Scope of the suty:

2.1. Objects of the study: The open spaces along coastline of NhaTrang city where public

activities take place.

2.2. Scope of the study: Coastal areas, urban areas along Tran Phu and Pham Van Dong

street, according to the project "City District Planning of Eastern NhaTrang City"; Urban

design Field.

3. Research Objectives:

- Forming a system of criteria of assessing the quality of NhaTrang city's coastal common

open spaces.

- Determining principles of defining "points of crowd" and their boundary.

- Proposing design directories for the coastal common open spaces in NhaTrang city in

accordance with existing culture and local activities.

4. Research methodology: Site survey; Survey Methods ; Expert Methods; Analytical

and Statistical Methods; Meta- Analysis.

5. The scientific and Practical significances of the study:

- Surveying and studying wishes, demands and activities of local users in order to define

a criteria system in creating vibrancy for each type of public open spaces.

- Providing other relating studies with reliable scientific evidence.

- Contributing to the formation of the legal foundation which will benefits other cities

sharing some certain characteristics.

6. Contributions of the study:

- Sociology Research and Categorization of community activities in coastal public open

spaces in NhaTrang city.

- Formation of a system of criteria to assess the quality of public open spaces in the study

area.

- Identification of the activity "boundary" and Classification based on activity types.

- Formation of design principles and proposals based onthe quality of CPOS which has

been proposed.

7. Content of the study:

The dissertation includes three chapters: Chapter 1 (34 pages), Chapter 2 (44

pages), Chapter 3 (63 pages); 85 references which consists of 30 Vietnamese documents

and 55 foreign documents.

CHAPTER 1: OVERVIEW

1.1 THE DEFINITION OF MAKING COASTAL PUBLIC OPEN SPACES

1.1.1 Coastal open public space:

Coastal Public Open Spaces (with the acronym 'CPOS'), are common public

spaces and outdoors (not a public space within a building) located along the coastline and

free access for all users; such as coastal squares, parks, greenery, sidewalks, public open

space in front of buildings.

1.1.2 Making CPOS:

Making CPOS is a process of transforming existing inactive CPOSs into a

identical, dynamic and vigorous public spaces which fit to local demands. This study will

focuses specifically to subjects relating to the quality of CPOS, how to verify the quality

of COPS and proposals in making qualified COPS in NhaTrang city.

1.1.3 Making qualified CPOS:

1.1.3.1 The quality of COPS: is a subjective matter and determined differently by users'

own perception. The assessment of this can be measured with .....

1.1.3.2 The Objective of Making CPOS in this study is guiding the overall build-

environment of the CPOSs based on the local communities' demands in order to create

identities steaming from the existing context for the place.

1.2 ABOUT MAKING CPOS:

1.2.1 Characteristics of CPOS:

1.2.1.1 CPOS's roles: providing space for social activities, promoting investigation and

creating economic benefits; Improving the micro-climate and living environment,

satisfying needs of cultural and public-art activities and contributing in the formation of

local identities.

1.2.1.2 Classification:

- In terms of management, CPOS is under the management of the city's municipality

- In terms of legal possession, CPOS belongs to the government

- In terms of functionality, CPOSs are public spaces

- CPOS is formal and legally managed

1.2.1.3 CPOS is differentiated with other types of Urban Public open spaces by physical

and non-physical aspects

1.2.2 CPOS's elements:

Values of natural land form and landscape, values of urban spaces, values of local

culture and history, activities and vitality of the city.

1.2.3 Overview of the history of Place making

1.2.3.1 Urban Deign 's History and Movements

In the beginning, urban design focused on physical elements such as urban form,

aesthetic, architectural composition of the build-environment and spaces between

buildings. Nowadays, public life in the city is also involved in urban design. The

movements include: visual art and place making that have created public spaces with

more humanity for modern urban areas.

1.2.3.2 New and tendentious criteria to assess the quality of CPOS: besides achieving

identical values, users' satisfaction is also very important.

1.3 PRACTICE AND TENDENCY AROUND THE WORLD

1.3.1 Public spaces in other countries

Many cities' development in American, Europe and Asia has aimed to better and

more comfortable living conditions for human and human has honored through the design

of the built-environment. As people interact with their living environment differently,

there will be always spaces with distinctions.

1.3.2 Pubic spaces of the coastal cities in the South Central Coast of Vietnam

Case studies of QuyNhon city and Da Nang city have shown that well designed

CPOS could help in creating identities for the cities. Yet the development without

orientation has formed similarities among them. During the last few years, making space

to become places has been truly noticed for its importance.

1.4 OVERVIEW

1.4.1 Overview of the CPOSs development: CPOS has been formed together with the

development of the city

1.4.2 Urban morphology: 5 typological layers

- Natural layers: location and land form

- Man-made layers: urban structure, built-environment

- Non-physical layers: local context, environment, habits and activities

1.4.3 Concerns in the usage of COPS

Contradiction between the need of preservation and interfering natural landscape,

between promoting mix culture and protecting local culture in the urban area;

1.4.4 How to determine strategic areas: By observing, there are seven areas which are

most crowded

1.5 MAIN FOCUSES OF THE STUDY:

1.5.1 Main focuses:

1.5.2 The structure of the study

Making COPS to become places

Building a system of criteria to assess the quality of CPOS

Determination of "points of crowd" and their boundary

Proposing solutions for CPOS in NhaTrang city

- PUBLIC

OPEN SPACE (POS)

Quality of

POS - Making POC

places

DEFINITION

INTRODUCTION

OVERVIEW

Maki

ng

POS

places

Overvi

ew of

Making

POS

Overv

iew of

POS

at

NT

city

OBJECTS OF THE STUDY

SCIENTIFIC BASES

THEORETICAL BASES LEGAL BASES PRACTICAL BASES

Criteria

for PS

quality

assessm

ent

Point

of

crowd

and its

bound

ary

Solutio

ns for

makin

g POS

Criter

ia for

PS

qualit

y

Theories

of activity

Theories of

physical

elements Related

document

s and

planning

Abilit

y of

organi

zing

PS

Research

Methodologies

Natural

-social-

econom

ical

context

of NT

city

Case

studi

es Outcom

es

Are

a’s

Stru

ctur

e Space and users

SYSTEM OF CRITERIA

FOR QUALITY

ASSESSMENT OF POS

POINT OF CROWD AND

ACTIVITY BOUNDARY MAKING COPS IN

NHA TRANG

CITY

id

en

tit

y

Principles of forming point

of crowd

Activity area

Traq

uil

activi

ty

area

Mixe

d acticit

y area

Active

activit

y area

con

nec

tivi

ty

V

ari

et

y

Fri

en

dl

yn

ess

sa

fet

y

General solution

Specific solution

APPLICATION TO NHA TRANG COASTAL AREA

Point of crowd

recognition

Check with

quality assessment

criteria

Finding solution

for making those

spaces

DEBATE

CONCLUSION – PROPOSAL

CHAPTER 2: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY AND SCIENTIFIC BASE

2.1 METHODOLOGY:

2.1.1 Research process:

2.1.2 Methods

+ Methods for collecting data

- Observation Methods: defining " points of crowd" at three levels and evaluating the

relationship between them and the surrounding areas

- Survey Methods: at some selected locations among the strategic areas, experimental

interviews (30 people) and official interviews (149 people) will be proceeded

- Expert Methods; the consultancy from experts will benefit the formation of the making

CPOS successful strategy

+ Data Analysis Methods:

- Analytical and Statistical Methods- using SPPS 20.0 software, the result reveals that:

+ Defining and classifying the needs and demands of local people

+ Defining five groups of criteria in creating qualified CPOS

- Analytical and Synthesis Methods: the main focuses will be solved by studying certain

international theoretical bases and case studies.

2.2 THEORETICAL BASES

2.2.1 Bases for building a system of criteria for CPOS's quality

Studying of Identical Space - Ian Bentley, the vitality of public space - Jane

Jacobs, the variety of space - Emily Talen and Space scale - CamilloSitte shows that there

is always a strong relationship between places and qualified spaces. Moreover, a space

becomes a place as long as it possesses certain characteristics such as permeability,

vitality, variety, rooting , resilience and legibility. Besides, the space perception of users

which is also a matter is highly subjective and clearly depends on their education,

context, mood, ... Thus, the study will try to quantitate this very subjective element by

evaluating the satisfaction of users.

2.2.2 Making place for CPOS in terms of activity

Learning from the theory of human's needs, activities will be classify with

multiple levels from the simplicity to complexity and categorized into three groups:

necessary activities, optional activities and social activities. With those classifications,

the vitality of the study area will be life-likely pictured.

2.2.3 Connecting urban spaces

According to the figure-ground theory (Roger Trancik), urban space perception

perceiving through visual elements (Gordorn Cullen) and "the city image" defined

through 5 elements of Kevin Lynch, physical elements forming urban spaces are

strikingly seen.

2.2.4 The relationship between spaces and users

The study also indicates the dialectical relationship between the space and user,

objective and subjective elements in the process of perceiving space perception.

Specifically, users' subjectivity is analyzed by understanding the user's background,

living condition, personality, education,... and users' space perception is analyzed through

Defining main focuses of the research

Planning the research

Data collection

Data Analysis

Outcomes

five senses in order to determine users' " boundary of action" accurately. Users' space

experience is also determined by the experience's duration, moment and users' mood.

2.3 LEGAL BASES

2.3.1 Relating legal documents and planning projects

The city has proceeded several planning projects but detail plan with the scale of

1/500 for the city' western part, where lands are mostly fragmented and owned by private

sector which causes the lack of connectivity and unity. The authorities are only

responsible in managing the use of land and construction; therefore the use of public

space and public activities are not well cared.

2.3.2 The ability to form CPOS at planned areas:

The inefficient use of those areas has caused several issues, including land-use,

urban structure...

2.4 PRACTICAL BASES

2.4.1 Natural, Socio-economic context of NhaTrang city

2.4.1.1 Natural context:

- Weather: NhaTrang city is affected by the oceanic climate, thereby it is warm all year

round which is very supportitve for outdoor activities.

- Geology: the beautiful natural landscape has formed by the chemical and physical

weathering process of granitic and rhyolite rocky mountains.

- Topography: the area possesses a range of unique natural assets such as mountains,

rivers, river mouths, beaches, sea surface and islands.

- Hydrography: Sea level fluctuates periodically with the maximum amplitude of 2.4m

which also shares many common hydrographical characteristics of the South Central

Coast.

- The effect of climate change: in the next 50 years, the sea rising level would not effect

the city severely as the current ground level is above sea level.

2.4.1.2 Socio - Economic Context

- History and Tradition: The local culture is a mix of the Cham and Vietnamese culture

with unique intangible cultural heritages.

- Activities: there are several cultural customs. Yet those have operated by local people

without any support from the municipality

- Economy: although the tourism industry has contributed greatly to the economy of the

city, it has also harmed many of natural features.

- The globalization trend: has not only transformed cities into international urban areas

with strong influences but also affected local cultures negatively.

2.4.2 Theoretical bases to form "points of crowd" and the "affected area"

+ The ability to form "points of crowd"

As activities seems to be affected by the landscape, "point of view" and "perceiving space

perception" principles would help to create attractive and vibrant areas.

Besides, defining the walking distance, reachability and safety is vital to ensure the usage

and success of the public spaces.

+ The structure of NhaTrang city's coastal spaces

- The coastal spaces strongy connect with other inner urban spaces through a system of

parallel collective streets which direclty heads to the sea

- Through re-organizing the exisiting spaces, it is feasible to create the permeability

and resilience for the spaces and re-shaping existing spaces.

2.3.5 Case studies

2.3.5.1 Summary of lessons for the success

Through 14 cases, elements which make up successful public spaces: (1) Good

accessibility, (2) Enabling the continuity of activity through out a day, (3) Resilient space

design, (4) Creative amenity, (5) Enhancing and taking advantage of local identities, (6)

Good management for a lively public space.

2.3.5.2 Criteria to assess the quality of CPOS

The criteria of PPS organization, in the USA: accessibility - connectivity, usage -

activities, comfortableness - image, sociality - friendliness; in the UK: local identities,

accessibility and continuity, lively public space, movability, legibility, responsiveness,

variety and choices. In Vietnam: function, aesthetic, society, comfortableness,

connectivity - accessibility. Studying those sets of criteria has shown that to create

attractive and vibrant public spaces.

2.5 CONCLUSION

Relevant methods for the study will be indicated in this part. The scientific bases

will also be discussed in accordance with the research objectives.

CHAPTER 3: RESEARCH OUTCOMES

3.1 GENERAL POINT OF VIEW

Public space aims to improve the quality of life for people, therefore it should be

design and organized basing on the demands of local users.

3.2 BUILDING CRITERIA TO ASSESS THE QUALITY OF SPACES

3.2.1 Groups of Quality Assessment Criteria

Coastal spaces

City center

Closely relate to landscape

Closely relate to functional areas of city center

Activity types

3.2.2 Building Measurement for the Groups of Quality Assessment Criteria

These five groups of Quality Assessment Criteria will be explored and classified into

subgroups: physical aspect assessment will be clarified by figures and non-physical

aspects will be understood by local users' experience. The following is the outcome:

STT No of sub-criteria

Criterion group

Physical

element’s value

Non-physical

element’s value

1 Identity 13 3

2 Connectivity 5 4

3 Safety 7 10

Identity Criterion

Space Identity

Value of location

Accurancy to the Nature

Significant spaces

Lifestyle Identity Local people

Local lifstyle

Connectivity Criterion

Tangible Connectivity

Connection to the surrounding

Space connectivity

Intagible connectity Visual connectivity

Connectivity made by activity

Safety Criterion

Safe space

Natural guardiant

Open connection at the edge

Protection from accidents

Safe people

Safe activities

Active Guardiant

Protection from bad weather

Variety - Responsiveness Criterion

Tangible Variety

Variable designs

In accordance with the planning

Responsive to the environment

Vibrant activities Continuous activities

Variable activities

Friendliness Criterion

Familiar space Welcome space

Friendly designs

Friendly people

Good intereaction

Complete satisfaction

4 Variety - Responsiveness 6 6

5 Friendliness 3 6

3.2.3 Understanding the outcome and Assessing Attractiveness of Public Space

3.2.3.1 Assessing Attractiveness of Public Space based on Groups of Quality Assessment

Criteria

The total of each value (column) has the results: ΣI, ΣII, ΣIII showing 4 levels:

- ΣIII ≥ ΣI + ΣII: highly qualified

- ΣIII ≥ ΣII > ΣI: qualified

- The remaining: nearly qualified

- ΣI ≥ ΣII + ΣII: not qualified

3.2.3.2 General Assessment for Attractiveness of Public Space

Determining the total points of each subgroup of Quality Assessment Criteria with the

following formula: Σ(H)= A+B+C+D+2E and the assessment is understood with 4 levels:

- Σ(H) ≤ 100 points: Not attractive Public Open Space

- 100 < Σ(H) < 150 points: Relatively attractive Public Open Space

- 150 ≤ Σ(H) < 180 points: Attractive Pubic Open Space

- Σ(H) ≥ 180 points: Very attractive Public Open Space

3.3 DETERMINING "POINTS OF CROWD"

3.3.1 Principles and "points of crowd" space

3.3.1.1 Principles:

1. Agreeing with Land-use planning: to define planned public open spaces

2.Surrounding public buildings: affects the public open spaces depending on the number

of public buildings, building's scale in accordance with human's scale, design and

harmonization.

3. The position of the "point of crowd" in the urban structure: Create a vision from the

distance, area image recognition; opportunities in forming conversations; potential

formation of elective activities; reasonable distance.

4. Connection and accessibility in urban structure: coastal zone located in/ nearby city

centers or small residential area; radial connection with high density and convenient

accessibility.

5. Good views to feel and experience: ensure all visibility range (distance, medium and

close up sight); maintain typical image space. Besides, the quality of the landscape

affects the sensory perception ability of users.

6. The safety - facilities: provide good facilities, ensure lighting

at night; protect the nature before negative impacts; minimize traffic accident risk ,

ensure safety of pedestrians.

7. Space for activities: built based on human scale, in response to human needs, ensure

connection among activities.

8. Historical characteristic of space: history of development and lifestyles have shaped

local people’s perception strongly. However, new areas with good design also encourage

them to come.

3.3.1.2 Defining spaces containing the "point of crowd": spaces containmany different

activities which are facilitated to take place for long time.

A space can contain one or more groups of people.

+ General characteristics:

- Having good visibility and good connection system in order to enter or avoid the space

- The height and alignment of the façade of the surrounding buildings effects the

formation of initial experience.

- The gap between groups of people (3.3.2), the limit angle, roads, low fences etc. ... help

users in defining the area of activities.

- Arranging good facilities to display the comfort.

- Diverse activities; creating coastal identities.

+ Types:

Concentric point space: is often a node where centripetal roads; it is

multifunctional and main urban spaces.

- Squares, cultural and festival spaces, etc. ...

Linear space: is located along coastal roads, functioned as

transformation points and is not too long.

- Cultural squares or commercial – service spaces, etc. …

Combination of Concentric point space and Linear space: is located

parallel with coastal line and considered as urban open spaces. They are

in forms of a sequence small spaces to serve every day activities.

+ Location

- Urban centers, district centers or centers of small residential areas, where people can

easily find and access.

- About the distance, serving radius should ensure the maximum travel time

of 15 minutes. Therefore, the proposed distance is 500 m for pedestrian, more than 900 m

for cycling and 3 km for motorbike.

- It is the intersection of the axes which are perpendicular to the coastal road where there

are spaces which facilitate good view and conversation formation.

- It is an area where street furniture and utilities are fully installed to serve needs of

seating, sightseeing, etc. …

- It is an area where tree quality is good or there is enough space for trees, and which has

the ability to protect itself against abnormal climatic conditions.

+ Size

- Short Edge ≥ 10 m to ensure that elective activities can take place.

In particular, proposed distance between points of concentrated activities is not greater

than 24 m. This is the distance needed to be able to recognize

faces, in order to create a sense of security for users.

Square area should be large enough to serve public activities and open

to the beach.

- Optimal minimum distance from one space to another which are

arranged along the coastal line should not exceed 110 m to ensure the

continuity of spaces.

3.3.2 Determining the boundary of human activities

The author suggests that this area should be defined according to the status of activities:

on-site activity area, mixed activity area and dynamic activity area.

3.3.2.1 Tranquil activity area (on-site activity area)

- Includes groups of users who have passive activities, and who have activities within the

areas and do not want disturbance.

a. Position and form: can scatter or form a string of spaces or a cluster, but do not cover

a large area; they are often dispersed, and do not serve many people and many groups at

the same time.

b. Quantification:

+ Location: they are located at the edges of public spaces, where there are separation

edge like edge of walkways, building block edge, limiting boundary of public spaces.

+ Size: predicting 1 to 4 people for a chat group.

Basic dimensions of a sitting man

and grouping of chat groups

C. Method of determining:

According to the research, the possible smallest distance to form communication is from

1.3 m - 2.2 m

The long side of the tranquil activity area is measured based on the length of a row of

people in conversation.

As a result, it shows that (b) is from 1.3 to 3.5 m.

When (b) exceeds 3.5 m, people tend to separate into smaller

groups to be able to talk more easily.

d. Development trends

It is possible to organize several tranquil activity areas with

flexible boundaries which are still within the boundary of human

conversation.

Diagram (a): The boundaries of tranquil activity

areas which can overlap or touch each other

The tranquil activity area is a set of concentric spaces that tend to be lied in a line when

an enlargement takes place

Diagram (b), (c): The tendency is to

concentrate on the edge of an area but

away from the corner.

3.3.2.2 Mixed activity area

Activities include temporary activities or small groups with relatively calm activities

like playing chess, photography, running children etc...

This area is usually arranged between tranquil activity area and active activity area which

is appropriate to supplement to mixing activities.

a. Form: it plays an intermediary role in connecting tranquil activity area and active

activity area and it is also a transition area between those two areas.

b. Quantification:

+ Position: it can be any where and do not follow any specific shape, it account for

higher percentage than the other two, with the highest degree of elasticity.

+ Size: the minimum dimension of this area is 2 m.

c. Expansion trend: it takes most of the space in the area, even can overlap the other

areas and adhere to the arrangement in space.

3.3.2.2 Active activity area

- Planned Activities: This study does not mention.

- Spontaneous Activities: usually gather in small groups for outdoor habit or hobby

activities

a. Form

The writer uses circles representing the area of this type of activities.

b. Qualification

+ Position: For small areas, it is usually the central point area of the whole area. For large

areas, the distance to the edge is convenient.

+ Scale: Size: it accounts for 50% of a regular square. However, in open spaces, this

percentage changes due to usage. The distance to the edge of space in which it is placed

is 3 m.

c. Expansion trends: it changes according to quantity and type of group and group's

activities. The vitality of this area reduces to the edge and transform into mixed activities.

3.3.2.2 Arrangement Principles of Activity areas

Activity areas lie along the coastal line

Mixed activity area covers tranquil activity area but active activity area and is often

arranged in between active activity areas which is appropriate to supplement interwoven

activities.

3.4 SOLUTIONS FOR MAKING COASTAL OPEN SPACE

3.4.1 General principles

- Comply with the planning of local land use.

- Identify areas with different values to create typical public space to serve the

community well.

- Entice activities and people can share and contribute to build up spaces.

- Making public space is a continuous process and not the same for everywhere.

3.4.2 Solutions for making coastal open public space

3.4.2.1 General Solution

- Connect with local characteristics: social - economic value; value of the Nature and

geography; responsive to natural conditions; cultural values; and

value of artificial works.

- Connect with the overall urban built-environment: maintain the legibility of the space;

create spaces that stimulate human senses; connect pedestrian path ways and visual

linkages; and surrounding buildings.

- Create a social space: form activity and complementary activities points; create

diversity; forming the ability to share spaces.

- Ensure safety and security: traffic safety, ensure the safety of each street furniture; no

bushy; organize lighting equipment at night and infrastructure system.

3.4.2.2 Specific solutions for each activity area

+ Solution for tranquil activity area

- Space organization: distributed according to social distance; establish

stopping points. However, no public facilities should be displayed.

- Activity organization: creating a view from distance – middle distance and close-up.

Besides, to spread out activities, stopping points should be “scattered" and avoid to be

placed next to another.

+ Solution for active activity area

- Space organization: organize large spaces in open public spaces; install street furniture;

create confortable space and complete secondary seats.

- Activity organization: organize large spaces, create spaces with adequate distance for all

kind of social activities; pay attention to the visibility of surrounding spaces to the active

activity area.

+ Solution for the activity sector dynamics

- Space organization: try not to attract too many people using this area to avoid negative

effects to the tranquil activity area.

- Activity organization: the most common solution to reduce number of people and

activities is "road movement" solution.

3.5 APPLICATION OF OUTCOMES

3.5.1 Identification of location of "point of crowd" formation

According to section 3.3.1, includes 14 areas: K2-CX14, K2-CX113, K2-CX12; K3-

CX11, CX10-K3, K3-CX9, K4-CX8, K4-CX7, K4-CX6, K4-CX5, K4-CX4, CX3-K4,

K4 and K4-CX1-CX2.

3.5.2 Hierarchize people concentration levels at "point of activity"

+ Essential area (M1): is very crowded with several activities taking place at various

times during the day, the criteria are met; assessment score is > 55 points, including: K4 -

CX7, K4 - CX6.

+ Common area (M2): is crowded, however, the criteria aren’t fully met; assessment

score is from 40 to 55 points; including: K2 - CX12, K3 - CX11, K3 - CX9, K4 - CX8,

K4 - CX4, K4 - CX1.

+ Potential area (M3) : is not yet crowded but potentially can become crowded;

assessment score is <40 points; including: K2 - CX14, K2 - CX13, K3 - CX10, K4 -

CX3, K4 - CX2.

3.5.2 Criteria check: according to advantages and factors needed to be added for 3

groups (H1), (H2) and (H3).

3.5.3 Creating space in the coastal area of NhaTrang

Criteria Giải pháp đề nghị

M1 M2 M3

Identity Integration; maintain

activities, water front

usage

Small areas; small

social space

Complete documentation of

detail designs

Connectivity Accessibility, variety

of water and ground

transportation

Accessibility;

Connectivity.

Physical composition;

variable transport

Safety Complete

documanetation;

great attention on

details

Natural supervision Complete documentation;

good management

Variety -

Responsiveness

Variable

organizations;

service enhancement

Service enhancement Appropriate scale; official

organization

Friendliness Common play Activity Specific activity program

ground; activity

creation for women

and children

organization;

smallergroups

3.6 DISCUSSION ABOUT THE OUTCOMES

- Group of criteria for creating coastal open public space to become places will determine

attractiveness of a space comprehensively. Consistent with social and economic context

of the city; guiding for the success of making open public space

- The success of making coastal open public space based on activities helps to build

criteria in creating attractive open public space, bases for finding solutions in creating

open public space, as a premise to implement open public spaces successfully.

- Apply the outcomes to the project: Master plan for NhaTrang East, which has studied

intangible and tangible values at the location and transform those to identities and create

an attractive open public space

- The possibility and scope of application: the outcomes and methodologies can be

applied widely to areas that shares common contexts, contribute to space evaluation

system in Vietnam.

III. CONCLUSION – PROPOSAL

1. Conclusion

1. The study of scientific bases of the theory as well as practice indicates that creating

spaces is not only organizing physical elements but also research for activities and needs

of users in building quality of public space. At the same time, understanding the

relationship between space and activity and applying to reality flexibly are bases to build

and maintain public spaces with high quality.

2. The study proposes three main outcomes, including:

a. Develop a system of criteria for evaluating the quality of coastal open public space,

whose initial step is evaluation attractiveness of open public space. The criteria allows to

determine generally values of a space, especially values of a place in terms of tangible

aspects, activities and value of communities. This is an indispensible tendency of future

open public space.

b. Determine location and boundary of activities in coastal open public space at 2 levels:

(1) the principles of the formation of "point of crowd " in the urban structure and (2) the

boundary where activities take place.

- Based on theories of urban design and case studies, this study proposes 8 principles for

forming "point of crowd". These principles help to identify potential locations so that

place making for those location can stay focused and it is possible to predict future

developments.

- Categorize areas of each type of activities, including: (1) tranquil activities, (2) active

activities and (3) mixed activity. The identification of activity’s areas helps to define

locations which need intervention, which is also a basis for specific solutions and a

contribution in place-making.

c. Develop general solutions for making open public space based on activities of users

and place qualification criteria. Further, the study proposes specific solutions for each

area to enhance the quality of coastal open public space.

3. Apply the outcomes to a project of a coastal area in NhaTrang city, which consists of

four steps: (1) identifying "point of activity", (2) determining the size – activity density,

(3) check the site with the criteria and (4) proposing solutions to improve quality of

public space in the site.

4. Good connection between physical elements and activities will reduce the formation of

similar public spaces. Recognition of activity area type allows to use space efficiently,

avoid wasteful and spontaneous land-use, create identities for public spaces. Proposing

the above outcomes is necessary and it is possible to apply them to cities that share

similar contexts and goals of making public space.

2. Proposal

+ To managers and authorities

- Include the process of assessing current condition of urban design projects focusing on

subjects that relate to place and initial management.

- It is important to care for values of places in creating management policies.

+ To experts

- Identify areas used by users in public space as bases for upcoming projects.

- Study to create methods and assessment procedures which involve several disciplines.

- Increase number of public buildings around the area.

- Carefully consider and design the surrounding buildings orderly and livably.

- Organize activities in each are of public space

+ To users

- Raise awareness of users.

- Create supportive activities for the involvement from the community.